Judge dismisses suit challenging North Forest closure

But troubled district's supporters still not giving up

An Austin judge cleared the way Friday for the Houston ISD's annexation of the troubled North Forest school district to proceed as scheduled on July 1.

State District Judge Darlene Byrne dismissed North Forest ISD's lawsuit against the state. Representatives of the northeast Harris County school system vowed to file an appeal by Tuesday, asking the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin for an expedited hearing.

"We are disappointed that the state district court judge declined to stop the closure of North Forest ISD. We will continue to fight for our children and our community," Superintendent Edna Forte said in a statement. The district had racked up $595,837 in legal expenses through March fighting the closure.

North Forest supporters noted that the ruling was based on a jurisdictional issue, not the merits of the case.

Texas Education Agency officials argued during Thursday's hearing that the commission's decision should be final and that North Forest did not have statutory authority to sue. The judge agreed.

The TEA, citing decades of academic failures and financial mismanagement, ordered in May that North Forest ISD be dissolved and annexed into the Houston ISD. The State Office of Administrative Hearings upheld the state's decision.

Two weeks ago, a visiting judge in Austin agreed to North Forest's request for a temporary restraining order. The district said TEA did not follow state law when it ordered the closure. The state relied on limited information and failed to conduct a proper analysis of the impact on HISD, North Forest attorneys argued.

"Today's court ruling is a victory for the students of North Forest ISD," Education Commissioner Michael L. Williams said in a prepared statement. "We are one step closer to finally assuring a quality education for every student in North Forest."

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier testified Thursday about his district's plan to help the 6,900 students in the struggling district, saying he hopes to rebuild North Forest's high school and improve other campuses.

Earlier this month, Grier announced seven principal assignments and some campus reconfigurations. HISD will also launch an open-transfer period that will begin Monday for any HISD employee interested in moving to a North Forest campus. Approved employees will receive a $5,000 signing bonus.

Still, the U.S. Justice Department must agree that the takeover does not violate the rights of minority voters. The department has requested more information.

No matter the outcome, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, applauded the effort of parents and community leaders.

"You can never be faulted for standing on the right side of history," Jackson Lee said. "It's more than a group of individuals refusing to accept the inevitable. It is really fighting for the heart and soul of North Forest."

HISD has scheduled community meetings Tuesday and on June 25 and June 27 to inform and get feedback from North Forest parents.